What this really means is a large group of computers linked together via hardware and software in an unlimited area.
This network may be across town, between cities or between continents. Generally, the network has one or more lans containing servers for file and print applications, printers for document output and a number of workstations for the end users.
All of these resources are normally physically connected locally via some form of cable (i.e. coaxial, twisted pair, etc.) to a hub and/or router which is then connected to a telephone system, satellite link or other form of electronic transmission.
The key word here is unlimited, when computers are connected locally the network becomes a lan.
The purpose of a wan is to allow an organization to share data and hardware throughout all its locations in order to maximize the company's data processing investment.
Ideally, the WAN should improve the following:
The WAN should be transparent to the user and manageable by networkprofessionals.
